There has been some confusion, based on past interview comments from the producers of Spider-Man: Homecoming, as to whether Sony Pictures' Spidey spin-off films Venom and Silver & Black (based on Black Cat and Silver Sable) are part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the same way as Tom Holland's Spider-Man is. I spoke on the phone today with one of the producers of those spin-off films as well as Homecoming, Amy Pascal, who set the record straight regarding specifically Venom and Silver & Black's place, if any, in the MCU.

"These are standalone movies," Pascal said. Citing 20th Century Fox's X-Men franchise as an example, Pascal explained that these Spidey spin-offs exist as Marvel movies in the same way as the X-Men films do but not as facets of the Disney-owned MCU.

Given then that Venom is separate from the MCU, does Pascal see Venom star Tom Hardy as the face or the anchor of this extended, standalone Spidey spin-off universe in a way that doesn't require Sony to use Tom Holland or Spider-Man directly?

Pascal said, "Know what I think? I think it's a way to make a really great movie. That's what I think. I think that Tom Hardy is a brilliant actor and I think anchoring Venom with him is the anchor."

And when it came to the reports that Carnage may be the villain of the Venom movie, Pascal chuckled, "I can't confirm anything! You're used to talking to producers!"

Hardy will star as Eddie Brock in Venom, with Zombieland's Ruben Fleischer set to direct. Filming begins later this year for an October 5, 2018 release.

Gina Prince-Bythewood (who helmed the TV pilot for Marvel's Cloak & Dagger) is in negotiations to direct Silver & Black. She will also rewrite the script originally penned by Thor: Ragnarok's Christopher Yost. Silver & Black is also aiming to start production this fall.